Eye strain symptoms and how to relieve them
From headaches to eye twitches, eye strain can affect your daily life, but it doesn’t have to. Whether it’s caused by digital eye strain or poor lighting, Bayfields Opticians can help you manage and relieve the discomfort. With our advanced eye exams and personalised eye care, we ensure you get the best treatment for your eye health.
What Is Eye Strain? Understanding the Symptoms
Eye strain, or asthenopia, can manifest in several ways, often after prolonged screen time, reading, or exposure to bright lights. While digital eye strain is uncomfortable and increasingly common in our tech-heavy world, eye strain doesn’t lead to permanent damage, and most symptoms can be improved with the right care and attention. Here’s how to recognise the signs and take action:
Common symptoms of eye strain
- Eye Strain Headaches: Frequent headaches or a dull ache around the eyes.
- Twitching Eyelids: An involuntary twitch, often linked to prolonged screen time.
- Blurred or Double Vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly, especially after reading or using devices.
- Dry or Watery Eyes: The eyes feel dry, itchy, or excessively watery as they struggle to maintain moisture.
- Light Sensitivity: Feeling strained by bright lights or glare from screens.
What Causes Eye Strain? Common Triggers to Watch For
Understanding the cause of your eye strain is the first step in finding the right solution. There are many different causes of eye strain but here are a few of the most common culprits.
Excessive screen time
With many of us spending over 7 hours a day on digital devices, digital eye strain is more common than ever. The constant focus on screens can fatigue the eye muscles, leading to headaches, blurred vision, and dryness.
Reading for long periods
While reading doesn’t involve the same level of screen brightness, prolonged close-up work strains the eye muscles, especially in low light.
Stress
During stressful moments, the body’s fight-or-flight response increases eye pressure, which can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eye strain headaches.
Eye strain in one eye
Sometimes, eye strain in one eye can occur, often caused by an unbalanced prescription or looking at a screen with improper posture.
How to Relieve Eye Strain
Now that you understand the causes of eye strain, here are some practical tips to ease discomfort and protect your vision:
1. Rest your eyes regularly
Rest is crucial for relieving eye strain. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and reduces fatigue.
2. Use blue light filters on your devices
Looking at screens for long, uninterrupted periods can worsen digital eye strain. Reduce blue light exposure by adjusting your screen settings or using blue light filters. This can significantly reduce discomfort during long screen sessions.
3. Hydrate and lubricate your eyes
Dry eyes are a major sign of eye strain. Make sure you blink regularly, and consider using lubricating eye drops. If you wear contact lenses, there are special drops available to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
4. Get the right prescription
Wearing outdated glasses or contact lenses can exacerbate eye strain symptoms. Make sure your prescription is up to date by booking regular eye exams (at least every two years) to keep on top of any vision changes.
Bayfields offers thorough eye tests with state-of-the-art imaging technology to ensure you have the right prescription for your needs.
5. Adjust your environment
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Lighting: Avoid glare by using soft, even lighting throughout your home. Consider using a desk lamp or adjusting your room’s brightness to match your screen.
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Monitor Settings: Adjust the contrast and brightness of your screen so that it's comfortable to look at. Larger text and lower brightness settings can make reading easier on the eyes.
Why Choose Bayfields Opticians for Your Eye Care?
At Bayfields, we go above and beyond to provide exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
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Personalised Consultations: Unlike many opticians, we take the time to get to know you, your lifestyle, and your specific eye care needs. This ensures that you get the best possible advice and a solution that fits your life.
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Advanced Technology: We use the latest diagnostic equipment, including retinal imaging, OCT, and optomap® scans to ensure we catch potential issues early and provide the most accurate prescriptions.
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Twice the Standard Exam Time: Our eye test appointments are 45 minutes and allocate more time to our eye tests than the industry standard. This allows us to thoroughly examine your eye health and offer solutions that work for you.
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Excellent Care and Service: Our friendly, professional staff are here to guide you through every step of your eye care journey, offering advice on everything from choosing the right glasses to understanding your results.
Ready to Book Your Eye Exam?
Eye strain doesn’t have to interfere with your daily life. Regular eye exams are key to maintaining your vision and overall eye health. Book your eye exam with Bayfields today and enjoy a thorough, personalised consultation.
FAQs About Eye Strain
What is eye strain?
Eye strain, or asthenopia, is a condition that occurs when your eyes are tired due to prolonged use, such as staring at a screen or reading for long periods. It can cause discomfort such as headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
What does eye strain feel like?
Eye strain often feels like a dull headache, particularly around the eyes, and can also involve twitching eyelids, blurred vision, or discomfort when focusing. It may also feel like dryness or irritation in the eyes.
How to relieve eye strain?
To relieve eye strain, use the 20-20-20 rule, take regular breaks from screens, use lubricating eye drops, and ensure proper lighting. Wearing the correct prescription and adjusting your screen settings can also help.
How long does eye strain last?
Most cases of eye strain are temporary and subside once you rest your eyes or change the cause of discomfort (like reducing screen time). If symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam.
How to get rid of eye strain?
The quickest way to get rid of eye strain is by resting your eyes, using eye drops, and adjusting your screen settings. If you frequently experience symptoms, you may need an updated prescription or a more comprehensive eye exam.